A night passed quickly. Without even realizing it, Feng Yun Wuyi had fallen asleep. Strangely enough, being with this practitioner of the Evil Path brought a sense of security, at least for the time being. No longer did he have to worry about the rampant demon beasts. This night marked the first time since his ascension that Feng Yun Wuyi had slept soundly.
When the first rays of sunlight touched his body, Feng Yun Wuyi woke up. As soon as he opened his eyes, he saw a pair of fiery red ones staring back at him, glowing with a strange light.
"You," said the voice suddenly. "I see you have good bones and a sharp mind. You've only just ascended, so I doubt you've taken a master yet. How about I take you as my disciple?"
Feng Yun Wuyi was startled, blinking at the speaker. He looked closely at the speaker's face, which was serious. It was clear that this decision had been made after some careful consideration.
"How long have you been ascended?" Feng Yun Wuyi asked.
"I've been ascended for one and a half million years. Why do you ask? Are you worried that my strength is not enough to be your master?"
"No," Feng Yun Wuyi shook his head. "If you've been ascended for so long, you must have taken many disciples. Why would you take me as your disciple when you already have one?"
"I did have one disciple," said the figure, his face darkening with sorrow. "But unfortunately, he is dead. Killed by a high-level demon."
Feng Yun Wuyi shuddered. This was the first time he had heard of an ancient expert being killed by a demon. He wanted to ask more, but the expression on the speaker's face made it clear that he didn't want to delve further into the matter.
"So, what's your decision?" the figure asked again, looking up.
Feng Yun Wuyi tilted his head back and replied, "If I refuse, will you abandon the idea?"
Without thinking, the figure shook his head. "If I abandoned my decision just because of your one word, what would people say about me? My reputation would be destroyed."
"Then it's already decided," Feng Yun Wuyi said calmly. "You're asking if I'm willing to be your disciple, but no matter what I say, you've already made up your mind. Asking me is just a formality. So why bother asking?"
For a moment, the figure was left speechless. Originally, he had planned to hesitate if Feng Yun Wuyi agreed too quickly, wanting to test his sincerity. No one wanted to raise a wolf that would eventually bite them. If Feng Yun Wuyi showed defiance, he would have to use some force to teach him a lesson. But now…
The figure was momentarily frustrated. Without warning, he struck Feng Yun Wuyi on the back of the head, knocking him unconscious. Then, he swiftly grabbed Feng Yun Wuyi and flew toward the Dark Peak, the dwelling place of those in the Evil Path.
Two days passed. By the time Feng Yun Wuyi regained consciousness, he found himself under dark clouds, surrounded by icy blue mountains. On each peak sat a figure, emanating an oppressive, malevolent energy that made the place feel like a realm of the dead.
"幽无邪 (Yōu Wúxié), you've returned. What treasure are you bringing this time?" A sinister voice suddenly spoke from beside him. Feng Yun Wuyi was startled. When he turned to look, he saw a man in a black robe, stepping through the air, hands clasped behind his back. The man's gaze radiated a chilling malice.
"What are you doing here?" Yōu Wúxié's tone was filled with clear wariness. Feng Yun Wuyi could clearly feel the flow of his inner energy speeding up, and he was preparing for an immediate attack.
"Hmph, Yōu, when did your courage become so small? It's just a scroll of the Xuanming Volume—does it really warrant this level of caution?" The black-robed man sneered, though his gaze kept wandering to Feng Yun Wuyi, who was still in Yōu Wúxié's grip.
"Who is this?" the man asked.
"None of your business." Yōu Wúxié responded coldly, moving past the black-robed man. As they brushed past each other, Feng Yun Wuyi could feel a murderous intent flicker in both their eyes.
Yōu Wúxié landed on a towering ice peak, over a thousand feet high, and unexpectedly released Feng Yun Wuyi's sealed acupoints.
"Don't even think about escaping. This is the home of the Evil Path practitioners. With your strength, if you manage to get out of my domain, you will be hunted down and eaten by the others. If you're willing to risk your life, feel free to try." Yōu Wúxié grinned wickedly. "From now on, you will stay here on the Dark Peak and train with me. Hahaha, still not willing to be my disciple? When I, Yōu Wúxié, make a decision, it's final."
Feng Yun Wuyi stood at the peak, gazing down at the snowy landscape below, his mind spinning. This mountain range was surrounded by tens of thousands of cloud-covered peaks, each of which emanated a cold and evil aura. As he stood on the peak, countless malicious spiritual energies began to scan the entire area, some even brushing over Feng Yun Wuyi's body.
"I am the master here. Who dares to disturb my domain?" Yōu Wúxié suddenly sneered, his body shaking as he released a powerful burst of spiritual energy that shattered the probing evil energies. His actions were nothing short of arrogant.